Design Objects: Expressive form pieces by Rosenthal and Sambonet

Rosenthal: Zaha Hadid Collection

Contrast is key – following this maxim, Zaha Hadid Design created a collection of exceptional design objects, which are in total harmony with the Iraqi-British architect’s own design principles: free form, naturally fluid design and extravagant style. The Lapp vase collection is characterised by tear-drop-shaped openings and an elaborate combination of matte and shiny surfaces. Flower arrangements can be both classic and highly playful, with flowers leaning out to the side. Where the Weave series embodies the perfect interplay of intertwining flowing lines matching Hadid’s handwriting exactly, the Strip collection has a sculptural feel to it. A dynamic vase body emerges from a rigid square that functions as a base, reaching skyward like a tall building before coming to rest in a perfect round opening.

Rosenthal: Node

Intertwined shape, flowing lines, soft porcelain - the ingredients for the new vase of the Rosenthal Studio-line are simple, the result is beguiling. Designer Martin Hirth, one of the most acclaimed German newcomers of recent years, applies a typical design principle to the form of his new "Node" design for Rosenthal: Movement and the merging and transformation of the familiar run like a thread through the designer's product portfolio. In "Node", Hirth literally pours this principle into a voluminous, geometric knot shape and creates a vase that seems more like a sculpture than a utilitarian object.

Rosenthal: Phi

Cairn Young has designed the Phi collection for Rosenthal featuring five vases with striking surface structures: Freeze, Spindrift, City, Manhattan and Snow. Complex, spiral-shaped geometric patterns cover the white porcelain bodies, transforming them into sculptural objects with an innovative 3D effect. Triangles become frosty blossoms, crystals become snowflakes and cubic shapes form a skyline. The effect made by light refracting on the vase surfaces adds a poetic element.

Rosenthal: Falda

Designer Sebastian Herkner loves the skilful interplay of materials, surfaces and production techniques. He has succeeded in creating a design that is particularly captivating in this respect with the Falda vase developed for the Rosenthal studio-line. The simple, bulbous vase made from biscuit porcelain with its velvety surface and pleated, top-quality collar with a golden titanium coating is reminiscent of Art Deco objects. However, the appearance of the collar is a digital interpretation of this time thanks to its precise folding. The collar surrounds and embellishes the floral arrangement in an unusual way.

Sambonet: Gio Ponti

The charming centrepiece gives rise to a capsule collection dedicated to the Gio Ponti design. Sophisticated design objects that, in addition to perfect lines, feature trending colours to change the look of a table setting or simply to lend a character to any type of location. The project of the Centrepiece was unpublished up to 2013 – when Sambonet finally brought the project to light – it was immediately awarded the most prestigious international Design recognitions, soon becoming one of the most representative creations that the Master has dedicated to the table.

In its larger size it can undoubtedly dominate a location or create striking fruit and flower compositions on the table. In its smaller size the Centrepiece takes on its own personality. From a design accessory it may become - for design lovers - an exclusive wedding gift or even be interpreted as an individual serving piece in a spectacular place setting.